Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has recently approved the use of Cannabis-based products for animals, marking a significant step in veterinary medicine. The decision, approved by the board of Anvisa, paves the way for the regulation of such products by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), allowing veterinarians to prescribe them for therapeutic use.
This breakthrough decision is part of an effort to ensure that Cannabis-based veterinary products meet strict safety and therapeutic standards.
Key Details of the Approval
The regulation introduces several important changes concerning the medicinal use of Cannabis in animals. Here’s what you need to know:
- Regulation by MAPA: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) now has the authority to regulate and oversee the sale of Cannabis-based veterinary products in Brazil. These products must be registered with Anvisa and meet the rigorous standards already in place for veterinary medicines.
- Prescription by Veterinarians: Only qualified veterinarians, approved by the Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine (CFMV), are permitted to prescribe these Cannabis-based products. This ensures that the products are used strictly for therapeutic purposes and that animals are treated with care and precision.
- Controlled Substances: The products are still considered controlled substances, meaning they are subject to the same levels of scrutiny and regulation as other medications used in veterinary care. Anvisa will update its policies to reflect these changes and maintain a high level of safety and control over the use of these products.
In practice, the new regulation means that Cannabis-based medicines for animals can now be legally prescribed, but only through pharmacies with special prescriptions, similar to how other controlled substances are handled in Brazil.
Implications for the Veterinary Field
This decision has broad implications for veterinarians, pet owners, and the overall landscape of veterinary care in Brazil.
Veterinarians will now have the ability to use Cannabis-based products to treat a range of conditions in animals, including pain management, anxiety, and even certain types of epilepsy. As with any medication, the introduction of such treatments requires careful consideration of dosages, side effects, and overall safety.
Why This Matters
- Therapeutic Benefits: Cannabis products like CBD (cannabidiol) are known for their therapeutic effects in both humans and animals. They are often used for pain relief, reducing inflammation, and managing anxiety, making them a valuable tool in veterinary care.
- Stricter Controls: The focus on ensuring that these products are strictly used for therapeutic purposes means that their prescription and administration will be highly regulated, helping prevent misuse and overuse.
- Rising Demand: As more pet owners become aware of the potential benefits of Cannabis-based treatments, demand for these products is expected to rise. The regulation allows for growth in this emerging field, while maintaining public health safety.
In addition to these regulatory changes, Brazil is not the only country to take a progressive approach to Cannabis-based products. The U.S., for example, has long used cannabis derivatives in both human and animal medicine, particularly for pain management and as a treatment for conditions like epilepsy.
The Global Context of Cannabis in Veterinary Care
Cannabis-based treatments have been growing in popularity worldwide, with several countries embracing their potential benefits for animal health.
- U.S. Regulations: In the United States, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production of industrial hemp, which contains very low levels of THC. While hemp seed oil is a major product, the FDA still holds the authority over the legal use of Cannabis-derived products in animal feed.
- International Comparisons: As more countries consider the benefits of Cannabis in veterinary care, Brazil’s decision could inspire similar changes in other regions, opening up new possibilities for therapeutic animal treatments.
Despite these developments, it’s essential to understand that Cannabis use in animals will still be subject to significant oversight. This ensures that the products are not only safe but also effective for specific veterinary applications.
